Football | Afcon 2019

Caf okays Mikel for quarters

Super Eagles' midfielder, John Mikel Obi was a happy man on Friday after Caf cleared him for the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal duel against the Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire in Rustenburg on Sunday.

The Chelsea man said he was hurt when it was reported that he had picked up two yellow cards in the past games.

"I'm the one that is always at the receiving end of hard tackles and I knew that I had only one yellow card but the media was going about it that I have two. I was a little confused but now I’m happy and relieved and ready for the match.

"I know that Africa wants the best of both countries in the quarterfinals and personally I’m looking forward to the midfield battle against Ivorian Yaya Toure, that will be one good spectacle that Africans will like to see and I know that Toure is also relishing it," he said.

Eagles' manager, Stephen Keshi said he was alarmed that Nigerians have already written off his side against the Ivorians.

"It's at this point that we need the total support of all Nigerians, I urge them not to deny us that.

"Names don’t play football and our players are ready to give their all in the game against Ivory Coast," said the former Nigerian player.